PM Modi writes to Sharif, offers help for flood victims

New Delhi/Islamabad: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday wrote to his Pakistan counterpart Nawaz Sharif offering assistance to victims of the devastation caused by the torrential rains and floods in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

Mr. Modi, who reviewed the flood situation in Jammu and Kashmir during his day-long visit on Sunday, said he was told that the damage to life and property was equally, if not more, severe in areas across the Line of Control (LoC).

“My heart goes out to the affected people and my deepest sympathies are with them and their families.

“In this hour of need, I offer any assistance that you may need in the relief efforts that will be undertaken by the Government of Pakistan. Our resources are at your disposal wherever you need them,” said the letter which was delivered by the Indian High Commissioner in Islamabad.

Saying it was a “matter of great distress” Mr. Modi noted that the “devastation caused by the record rains and the consequent flooding is unprecedented”, the External Affairs Ministry spokesperson said in New Delhi.

Mr. Modi said like in Jammu and Kashmir, the people in PoK region too were bearing losses due to the floods. This is a humanitarian work and India will never be behind in doing such work, he said.

In Islamabad, Pakistan condoled the loss of lives in J&K and offered help to India in whatever way possible to mitigate the suffering of the people affected by the floods.

Prime Minister Sharif carried out an aerial survey of the affected areas in PoK which is facing the flood fury.

“The Government and the people of Pakistan express deepest condolences over the loss of precious lives of our Kashmiri brethren on both sides of the LoC caused by torrential rains and flash floods,” Pakistan Foreign Office Spokesperson said in a statement in Islamabad.

Pakistan is ready to help India in “whatever way possible to mitigate the suffering of the people affected by the floods,” the statement added.

The flood fury unleashed more death and destruction in Jammu and Kashmir, claiming the lives of nearly 150 people and leaving many marooned.

On the Pakistani side covering also the Punjab province, the toll has shot up to 160.